Westwind
Rodeo Academy
Alberta Rural Development
Network
“Creating Rural Connections”
May 13, 2010
Westwind Rodeo Academy
History
The Westwind Rodeo Academy was developed
in order to:
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Assist a handful of students stay in school.
Develop self esteem in students.
Many surprises entered the doors:
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FAS Students
Autistic Students
ADD Students
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Vision
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The vision of the Westwind Rodeo Academy is
to provide the opportunity for high school
students to:
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continue their progress towards graduation from
high school
develop their talents in the sport of rodeo.
Modify Behavior through Equine Assisted
Psychotherapy.
This will then lead to opportunities for success,
scholarships and future employment within
Rural Alberta and beyond.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Vision
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The vision of the Westwind Rodeo Academy
also includes early childhood intervention.
We believe that through the therapy
sessions some young children’s attitude can
be altered – thus changing their educational
goals an aspirations as well as their lives.
Options for some ADD, Autistic, FAS
children are limited – we believe we can
help increase their options and change their
families lives.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Background
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Cardston has developed many quality people in the sport of Rodeo
– Herman Linder
– Jimmy Gladstone
– Bill Reeder
– Darren Shaw
– Marty Becker
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Today in the Province of Alberta there are approx. 315 High School
students involved in rodeo as well as 85 from the Jr. High schools.
Within Saskatchewan there are approx 150 total and a similar number
from B.C. A number of these individuals are from rural Alberta;
The sport of Rodeo is not limited to the rural cowboy – there are a
number of competitors from the urban centers as well. Due to the
nature of the sport a tremendous amount of travel is done in order too
not only compete but to have quality practice arenas and instruction.
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Westwind Rodeo Academy
Facility:
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The WRA is located on the eastern edge of
Cardston on 80 acres of irrigated hay land.
The main arena is 100’ x 240’ totally
insulated and set up for instruction and therapy
sessions.
Additionally a 60’ x 180’ stable barn is
attached to the main arena.
An outdoor arena 180’ x 300’ is available.
32 outdoor paddocks 50’ x 150’ house the
horses.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Divisions:
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Sports performance: Individuals are trained in
the various disciplines of Rodeo.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Divisions:
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EAP: Equine Assisted Psychotherapy:
Through a referral basis, individuals are treated
for a variety of conditions such as: Autism,
FAS, ADD, ADHD, Abuse etc.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Divisions:
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Group Therapy: Groups of 6 or 8 individuals
with mild to moderate conditions are treated
together.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Additional Divisions:
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Equine A & B: Actual high school courses
that students are enrolled in and receive credit.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Additional Divisions:
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Exchange program: Groups will travel from
throughout the world to participate in the
western culture.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Additional Divisions:
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RV Park: RV sites will be available for
traveling Senior and Pro rodeo participants.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Local Instructors
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All instructors are under the direction of
Local certified teachers in order to qualify
for locally developed course credit or any
other approved Alberta Ed. CTS credit.
In order to facilitate in the Psychotherapy
division of the WRA all participating
instructors will be certified in the
EAGALA model.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Creating Rural Connections
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"The Alberta Rural Development Network
along with WRA recognizes that learning is a
vital component of the future of rural
communities through:
expanding access to a range of learning
opportunities in rural Alberta
expanding the capacity of communities
applying research and best practices
or building economic development
opportunities.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Transferability:
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The WRA has developed a desire and a program
that can be transferred to numerous communities:
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Ponoka
Chestermere
Saskatchewan
United States
Etc.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Partnerships:
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Westwind Rodeo has confirmed relationships
with the following organizations:
Westwind School District #74
Cardston Agricultural Society
Cardston County
Town of Cardston
Lethbridge College
University of Lethbridge
Blood Band
EAGALA
Ponoka Composite High School
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Rodeo College
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In order to generate more interest in the
sport of Rodeo a Cowboy college would
be put on by the Academy
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Scholarships
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Many of the Division 1 schools throughout
the US would look towards this Rodeo
Academy for recruitment of athletes.
A number of WRA athletes have already
been given scholarships at a variety of
colleges and universities.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Special Guests
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At least once each semester a high profile rodeo
celebrity would be brought to the Academy to
discuss with the students the life of rodeo and
give these students advise in the rodeo
profession. These seminars we be open to the
public.
Parents would also benefit by:
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Having the Academy enforce the need for
an education onto the students.
Attendance and grades are reviewed
periodically, allowing Sports Performance
athletes to participate.
Westwind Rodeo Academy
Economic Spin Offs
Exchange program
RV Park
Special events
Transfer Students
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Some students from neighboring school
districts may attend the Rodeo Academy
for any of the possible divisions.
– We have had families move from Manitoba,
Sakatchewan in order to accommodate their
childs’ dreams and aspirations.
Remington Center
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Carriage restoration courses.
Driving and handling courses.
Facilities for demonstrations and seminars.
Funds From Government
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Government grants have been accessed to
develop and promote WRA.
– Rural Alberta Development Fund
– Major community facility enhancement grant
– CFEP grant
Alberta Education
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Alberta Education may release funds
through the innovative teaching program.
Working with Alberta Education the
locally developed courses (60) may be
approved. Other school jurisdictions
would then be able to access these courses.
Corporate businesses
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Corporate businesses may help fund the
programs, sponsor students, or supply the
Academy participants with clothing and/or
equipment.
Question and Answer